Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has insisted he is innocent of any
wrongdoing in the ongoing spot-fixing scandal and is confident of emerging
from this "tough period" with his dignity intact.

Controversy: the Indian Premier League is under increased scrutinyPhoto: AFP

The 30-year-old bowler was one of three players, along with 11 bookmakers, arrested last week on suspicion of spot-fixing in the Indian Premier League, the allegations also earning him an immediate suspension.

"I am innocent and have done no wrong. I have never indulged in any spot-fixing and I have always played cricket in the spirit of the game," the paceman said in a statement.

"As a cricketer, I have learnt to take knocks along with accolades in my stride. I recognise that I am going through a tough period in my life.

"I have utmost faith in our judicial process and I am confident that, with time, I will be proved innocent and my honour and dignity will be vindicated and restored."

Sreesanth, who is from the south Indian state of Kerala and represented IPL's Rajasthan franchise this season, has been accused of taking money to concede a fixed number of runs in one of his overs during a May 9 match against Kings XI Punjab.